Part of a sustainable mixed-use development in Mumbai, The Trees blends Taj’s heritage with contemporary architecture to create an oasis in the bustling city of Mumbai.
Conran and Partners collaborated with Studio Vikhroli, Godrej Properties’ in-house design team, on Taj The Trees in Mumbai’s Vikhroli. The latest addition to Godrej’s ‘The Trees’ campus, the new building by WATG is part of one of India’s most sustainably planned mixed-use developments, replacing what was the family-owned historic factory complex. Located next to the largest mangrove forest in the region, the campus offers a unique oasis of calm amid one of India’s busiest cities, with the hotel set at its centre.
This project brought together the two iconic Godrej and Tata families, blending Taj’s heritage with contemporary architecture. The existing industrial buildings on the site give a nod to the heritage of the area, home to India’s Swadeshi movement – the original ‘Made in India’ movement. Conran and Partners went beyond the expected ‘industrial aesthetic’ and set about representing the core values of such important companies in India’s industrial revolution over the past century with a focus on creating spaces that celebrate manufacture, craft, details and beauty in precision.
The design seamlessly integrates the hotel with the surrounding campus, serving as a vibrant asset for both tourists and locals. The ground floor features a café for guests and visitors from the surrounding offices and residences, always intended to become the heart of the community. It also comprises a contemporary ballroom with an exceptional mirrored three-dimensional ceiling and access to a private courtyard garden – creating a smooth flow from inside out.
The first-floor lobby space makes use of soaring ceilings contrasting with more intimate areas for the reception and more private areas. Bespoke artwork creates moments of awe as you enter and move through to reception. Beyond the lobby facing the mangroves are the extensive bright and modern meeting and events facilities, envisaged more as a co-working space, with sophisticated industrial detailing and an openness that embraces the needs of modern workers.
On the second floor is the immersive wellness and spa area made up of a luxurious wet spa, five treatment rooms, a relaxation room, a salon, a gym and a studio. As you enter, guests are greeted with a beautiful Rangoli symbol set into the floor below a hovering natural rock sculpture. This traditional geometric art form represents happiness, positivity and good fortune complementing the simple forms that celebrate the beauty of the natural timber and stone materials, instantly transporting guests into another world of calm and serenity.
The third floor is home to the extensive outdoor pool terrace with generous landscape and decking areas as well as two restaurants facing the pool and the mangroves on the other side. One is an all-day dining restaurant intelligently designed for functionality throughout the day, with open flexible spaces and open counters and kitchen areas. The space is flooded with light and features a beauitful mural artwork and geometrically patterned stone floors.
Adjacent is the pan-Asian destination restaurant Nonya, which in imbued with a subtle Art Deco influence taking inspiration from Mumbai’s extensive architecture of that period. Dark timber veneered walls with brass detailing create a warm and luxurious atmosphere that still retains its contemporary feeling through the sharp detailing and open kitchen. Both restaurants have generous terraces, Nonya’s including an outside bar, facing out to the pool deck which also overlooks the campus sculpture garden beyond, connecting the hotel to its surroundings.
The 150 bright and modern guestrooms have full height picture windows facing the campus or the mangroves. Bathrooms have large sliding doors to the room or are more enclosed and private for twin rooms. The rooms include king rooms, as well as two bay suites and one sumptuous Presidential Suite.
The guests also have access to an Executive Lounge which provides a more intimate breakfast space and work and relaxation areas for VIP guests.
All guest room areas display breathtaking views across the mangrove trees or alternatively the tranquillity of the infinity pool and sculpture garden. The airy openness is enhanced by a contemporary material palette comprising light coloured local stone, light oak and highlights of champagne and black coloured metal. Detailed bespoke joinery and artwork reflecting the site’s design principles add a layer of texture while creating an inviting environment for guests.
To finish of the hotel spaces, an intimate gin bar on the top floor has an expansive terrace overlooking the mangroves, celebrating the distillation process from start to finish, creating a unique experience for guests to enjoy.
Project: Taj The Trees
Location: Mumbai, India
Design Studio: Conran and Partners
Photo Credits: Vikas Munipalle and Jaideep Oberoi
Website: conranandpartners.com
